2014 Lincoln MKZ

Change Vehicle Trim

Base FWD 4-Dr Sedan I4 auto trans

2014 lincoln mkz Reviews and News

2014 Lincoln MKZ

By
Jake Holmes
- 12/06/2013

New For 2014

Lincoln has not yet announced any changes to the 2014 Lincoln MKZ or MKZ Hybrid.

Vehicle Summary

In 2006, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan twins begat the Lincoln Zephyr, a midsize sedan that became Lincoln's entry model. The Zephyr was renamed the MKZ a year later. The MKZ was very similar overall to the Ford and Mercury models on which it was based, albeit with more standard features. For the 2013 model year, Lincoln took a clean-sheet approach to the MKZ and gave it more dramatic styling. Although the MKZ is still based on the Ford Fusion, the Lincoln is no longer a carbon-copy model. All the body panels are specific to the MKZ; the Lincoln measures 2.4 inches longer than the Ford, and its V-6 engine and adaptive suspension are exclusive to the Lincoln version. Sales of the Lincoln MKZ got off to a sluggish start as the automaker battled initial quality issues, but production has now been ramped up to full speed.

Overview

The 2014 Lincoln MKZ heralds the first step in Lincoln's bid to reinvent itself as a youthful, modern, and relevant luxury carmaker. Although the 2014 Lincoln MKZ is based on the more affordable and plainer Ford Fusion, you wouldn't know it. The car features dramatic styling, an expansive equipment list, and a well-appointed interior. Unique touches for the Lincoln include an optional panoramic glass roof with a 15.2-square-foot opening panel. Although it looks impressive (and is one of the largest sunroofs available in a sedan), the panel blocks rear visibility when it is opened because its frame sits atop the rear windshield. Instead of a lever, drivers shift the six-speed automatic transmission by way of five square buttons on the center stack; the engine start/stop button sits above the one for Park. The Continuously Controlled Damping system automatically adjusts the suspension to balance ride comfort and handling agility, while an Active Noise Cancellation function helps reduce annoying buzzes and hums inside the cabin of the 2014 Lincoln MKZ.

Although a 3.7-liter V-6 engine is optional, the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is more than adequate. Lincoln also offers a hybrid MKZ that uses the same powertrain as the Fusion Hybrid, a 2.0-liter gas engine and electric motor/generator, but the MKZ Hybrid returns 45/45 mpg (city/highway), compared with 47/47 mpg for the Ford. The Lincoln MKZ is very good to drive and feels just as taut as many other luxury cars in its segment. However, the sloping roofline means that head- and legroom is modest in the back seats. We also wish the turbocharged engine sounded better. As with other Lincolns, our biggest criticism is that the center stack eschews traditional physical buttons and switches in favor of touch-sensitive capacitive controls. They are tricky to use and a continual annoyance when driving.

You'll like:

Giant panoramic sunroof

Well-designed interior

Unique styling

You won't like:

Finicky center-stack controls

Low rear-seat headroom

Gritty engine note (2.0L)

Key Competitors

BEIJING, CHINA – Lincoln Motor Company franchisees will open eight dealerships in seven Chinese cities by this autumn, the luxury division of Ford Motor Company announced Thursday. The new independent dealer network will build standalone Lincoln showrooms, but for now the struggling premium brand has not announced plans to assemble cars in China. Lincoln plans to expand to twenty dealers by the end of calendar year 2015 and sixty dealers in fifty cities by the end of 2016.

Ford Motor Company sales followed much the same trend last month as in January 2014. The mainstream Ford brand saw sales dip 7.2 percent year-over-year, while Lincoln boasted a 46.1-percent gain. Overall, Ford Motor Company's sales of 183,947 vehicles last month represented a 6.1-percent drop compared to February 2013. Ford attributed much of the decline to a fall in fleet sales, which were down 10 percent as winter storms reportedly forced some fleet buyers to delay purchases. "Sales surged in the final week [of February], providing us momentum after a slow start to the month," Ford vice president of sales and marketing John Felice said in a statement.

This weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Lincoln Motor Company is announcing a new program called Black Label, which it describes as “an unparalleled series of experiences for Lincoln clients.” Set to bow as an option on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ, Black Label will include an expansion of the existing Lincoln Concierge service, with a focus on providing special attention to Lincoln buyers during the shopping, buying, and ownership process.

calculator

Change the values below to adjust your monthly payment. All default values are based upon national averages.

Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:31

Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 26, 2012, through September 24, 2013. Due to a manufacturing error, the transmission range sensor may not function properly allowing the affected vehicles to be shifted out of the Park position without first applying the brake pedal. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection."

Consequences

Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll which may result in a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software, free of charge. The recall began on January 2014. Customers may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13C09.

Potential Units Affected

7,153

Notes

Ford Motor Company

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequences

The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.

Potential Units Affected

43,135

Notes

Ford Motor Company

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:50

Component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured February 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 119,567 vehicles, including certain model year 2011 Ford Fiestas manufactured from November 11, 2009, to May 31, 2013 and certain model year 2013 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured from February 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Consequences

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed to owners on June 5, 2015. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S16.

Potential Units Affected

456,440

Notes

Ford Motor Company

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:50

Component

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to March 20, 2015, and 2015 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015, and originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, snow or water containing road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.

Consequences

If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering gear motor bolts as required. If one or more of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S14.

Potential Units Affected

487,301

Notes

Ford Motor Company

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

AIR BAGS

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

Consequences

The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

Potential Units Affected

746,842

Notes

Ford Motor Company

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

Consequences

The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.

Potential Units Affected

746,842

Notes

Ford Motor Company

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

SEAT BELTS

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.

Consequences

The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.